Dress Disaster
This should come as no big surprise...
to other brides out there, because I know I'm not the first (or last or only) bride-to-be that's felt confused, frustrated, and downright crazy about choosing their wedding gown.
As noted in my previous post, I went shopping at David's Bridal in Springfield last week with my mom and I tried on a nice variety of dresses. As described last week, on my fourth dress I was pretty much sold although I had a really hard time accepting that the fourth wedding dress I'd ever tried on in my life was "the dress."
We didn't have enough money on us (we never planned to find "the one," that day) to hold the dress, which turned out to be a really good thing. It gave me sometime to think about the dress and that's exactly what I did -- I couldn't stop thinking about it. Nevertheless, I decided it'd be a good idea to go to a boutique and give other, more expensive gowns a try in case I found something I liked more.
The good news is...
That the boutique didn't impress me at all. I didn't like trying on dresses that weren't my size (i.e. were too small) and I wasn't impressed with their selection either. Nothing I tried on compared to the dress we liked at David's Bridal and more importantly, most of the dresses were way out of our price range. Thanks anyway, Katherine's Bridal Boutique in Old Town.
When we got to David's Bridal (we went there directly from the boutique), I couldn't wait to show my MOH (she had never seen it) the dress and affirm the feelings I had all week. Happily, I put on the dress and it was exciting. I felt really happy and nervous all at the same time. We were all excited really. My MOH said she loved it and my mom gave me the look like, "There it is! That's the one!"
Nevertheless, I decide to try on a few more because we were getting ready to put money down on the dress and I wanted to be sure. My MOH pulls something from the racks, I think it's "ok," and ...
Here comes the bad news...
When I put it on, all the same sales associates and folks (including my mom) that said the first dress was "the one," had now changed there minds! Admittedly, the second dress was more flattering for my figure. It was also more appropraite for a fall wedding, because it's made with a thicker material, it's more comfortable, and it looks like an Oxon Hill Manor dress; however, I didn't get the warm fuzzies when I put it on.
If I wouldn't had gotten that feeling from the first dress, I'd say the warm fuzzies were a myth, but they're not! It is supposed to feel like the show, "Say Yes to the Dress" looks and you are supposed to be excited, right?
Well, I just wasn't. I would (and still will) admit it's a better dress than the first. It's a lot more flattering, like I said, but I had formed quite a relationship with the first dress. Not only that, but I was really tired by the time we got around to the second dress. I hadn't eaten all day and I couldn't for the life of me get excited about it. I put the first dress back on, then the second dress on again, and I was honestly stumped. I stood in front of the mirror confused, tired, and hungry, listening as my mom, my MOH, and everyone else in the store said "it's the one!"
In hindsight, I don't know why I didn't just say, "Let me sleep on it," or "I'm not sure." I felt obligated to buy something, being that we were at David's Bridal for the second time and everyone was in consensus, but here's why this post is called disaster...
I put the second dress on layaway and I'm not sure I want it anymore.
When I finally got some food in me and looked back through the pictures, I'll admit I started to get excited about the second dress. From the pictures (which I would post here, but there's too big a risk my fiance will see them) there's no doubt the second dress looks better. It's a very nice dress, designer made, marked down significantly, and it's growing on me, but as the days go on I can't help but feel a little sad.
How come I didn't get the warm fuzzies?
Also, did I mention that I called David's Bridal the very next morning to ask about their return policy? Turns out once the dress is on layaway, you forfiet 10 percent of the cost if you chose not to follow through with the sale or you can exchage it (once it's paid for) for another David's Bridal dress.
Share your Dress Disaster stories and of course, words of advice are always welcome...
to other brides out there, because I know I'm not the first (or last or only) bride-to-be that's felt confused, frustrated, and downright crazy about choosing their wedding gown.
As noted in my previous post, I went shopping at David's Bridal in Springfield last week with my mom and I tried on a nice variety of dresses. As described last week, on my fourth dress I was pretty much sold although I had a really hard time accepting that the fourth wedding dress I'd ever tried on in my life was "the dress."
We didn't have enough money on us (we never planned to find "the one," that day) to hold the dress, which turned out to be a really good thing. It gave me sometime to think about the dress and that's exactly what I did -- I couldn't stop thinking about it. Nevertheless, I decided it'd be a good idea to go to a boutique and give other, more expensive gowns a try in case I found something I liked more.
The good news is...
That the boutique didn't impress me at all. I didn't like trying on dresses that weren't my size (i.e. were too small) and I wasn't impressed with their selection either. Nothing I tried on compared to the dress we liked at David's Bridal and more importantly, most of the dresses were way out of our price range. Thanks anyway, Katherine's Bridal Boutique in Old Town.
When we got to David's Bridal (we went there directly from the boutique), I couldn't wait to show my MOH (she had never seen it) the dress and affirm the feelings I had all week. Happily, I put on the dress and it was exciting. I felt really happy and nervous all at the same time. We were all excited really. My MOH said she loved it and my mom gave me the look like, "There it is! That's the one!"
Nevertheless, I decide to try on a few more because we were getting ready to put money down on the dress and I wanted to be sure. My MOH pulls something from the racks, I think it's "ok," and ...
Here comes the bad news...
When I put it on, all the same sales associates and folks (including my mom) that said the first dress was "the one," had now changed there minds! Admittedly, the second dress was more flattering for my figure. It was also more appropraite for a fall wedding, because it's made with a thicker material, it's more comfortable, and it looks like an Oxon Hill Manor dress; however, I didn't get the warm fuzzies when I put it on.
If I wouldn't had gotten that feeling from the first dress, I'd say the warm fuzzies were a myth, but they're not! It is supposed to feel like the show, "Say Yes to the Dress" looks and you are supposed to be excited, right?
Well, I just wasn't. I would (and still will) admit it's a better dress than the first. It's a lot more flattering, like I said, but I had formed quite a relationship with the first dress. Not only that, but I was really tired by the time we got around to the second dress. I hadn't eaten all day and I couldn't for the life of me get excited about it. I put the first dress back on, then the second dress on again, and I was honestly stumped. I stood in front of the mirror confused, tired, and hungry, listening as my mom, my MOH, and everyone else in the store said "it's the one!"
In hindsight, I don't know why I didn't just say, "Let me sleep on it," or "I'm not sure." I felt obligated to buy something, being that we were at David's Bridal for the second time and everyone was in consensus, but here's why this post is called disaster...
I put the second dress on layaway and I'm not sure I want it anymore.
When I finally got some food in me and looked back through the pictures, I'll admit I started to get excited about the second dress. From the pictures (which I would post here, but there's too big a risk my fiance will see them) there's no doubt the second dress looks better. It's a very nice dress, designer made, marked down significantly, and it's growing on me, but as the days go on I can't help but feel a little sad.
How come I didn't get the warm fuzzies?
Also, did I mention that I called David's Bridal the very next morning to ask about their return policy? Turns out once the dress is on layaway, you forfiet 10 percent of the cost if you chose not to follow through with the sale or you can exchage it (once it's paid for) for another David's Bridal dress.
Share your Dress Disaster stories and of course, words of advice are always welcome...
Labels: david's bridal, two-dress bride, Wedding Dress
posted by Sara at 11:35 AM
5 Comments:
hug! I know exactly how that feels. I felt sort of pressured to buy my first dress and I never felt as in love with it as my mom did. Eventually I ended up finding a dress that I LOVE, and I was able to sell the first one (for a small profit!).
don't give up on the warm and fuzzies! I mean who knows, when that dress comes in and you put it on again, you might feel it. but if you don't, I say exchange it for the maybe less practical one.
I bought a dress the other day only to find out hours later that my mother had decided she really didn't like it. She had her heart set on a lovely dress I'd tried on at another salon more than a month ago! I loved that dress too, but it's hard to hop from shop to shop and drive around (I live in D.C., am doing all my dress shopping in Virginia) every weekend. I think I bought the dress last weekend because I was just tired of looking. After my mom admitted she didn't really like it, we decided it was worth it to spend one more weekend going to both shops and trying on the dresses on the same day. We were able to put a hold on the one I "bought" the other day.
I never got warm and fuzzy feelings either although I do love both the dresses! I just feel very overwhelmed and stressed out by making such a big purchasing decision.
Wow! Thanks for the feedback you guys (and for the hug Ms Fairfax)! I needed it! It sounds like I'm not the only bride-to-be with a double-dress dilemma!
Miss Fairfax, I'm glad you eventually found the dress you love and I'm so happy to hear there's hope for the warm and fuzzies!
Gutenmegan, it sounds like you and I are in the same boat being tired of trying on dresses, but unsure about the ones we've seen. I've decided to take a break from looking, because I was getting weary going every weekend too. This is a big decision (I totally understand the pressure you're feeling), so we should take our time! Good luck picking 'the one!' It's out there, don't give up!
Thanks y'all!!!
Gown shopping can be exhausting and overwhelming if you are not prepared. I recommend bringing a water bottle and granola bar or planning on taking a break at a fun cafe between stores to rejuvinate. Also do your hair nicely wear basic simply jewelry and a little light eye makeup so that you can try to envision yourself looking your best in the dress. If you just roll out of bed and try gowns on, you are going to be more critical of your overall appearance. I also recommend only bringing one person with you for "gentle" moral support but stay true to your own gut instincts in the final decision. Also be open to surprising suggestions. You may go in with a vision and then be pleasantly surprised by something completely different. That's what happened with me at Katherine's Bridal Boutique in Alexandria. I walked out with a golden silk cinderella ball gown by Lazaro (for a steal!)
I had an awful David's Bridal 'Barn' experience, but in CO, not at home in DC. That aside, I empathize with the warm fuzzies for the wrong dress thing. I think the warm fuzzies come form that "OMG, I'm a bride" feeling, and that's what David's Bridal is trying to sell you on. That's why as soon as they see you admiring yourself in the mirror they stick a veil and possibly a tiara on your head. Go with what makes you feel pretty. Maybe a similar dress to the first one comes as a bridesmaid style and you can wear it as a party dress to someone else's wedding or for some other wedding related event (formal rehearsal dinner?).
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